HC Deb 07 June 1993 vol 226 cc32-3W
Mr. Page

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps she has taken in the discussions on the new proposed banana regime to ensure that the differences in the mechanisms of the United Kingdom banana market is reflected in the allocation of import licence quotas.

Mr. Jack

Negotiations on the detailed arrangements for the new Community banana regime are continuing in Brussels and the United Kingdom is contributing actively to these discussions. The regulations implementing the new arrangements will need to take account of the complexity of the current market arrangements in all member states.

Mr. Page

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps are being taken in the negotiations of the new proposed banana regime to ensure increased competition opportunities.

Mr. Jack

The completion of the single market in bananas will expand access to the hitherto restricted markets of some member states and increase competition across the European banana market. Fruit entered into free circulation in one member state may in future be traded freely across the Community. Of the tariff quota of 2.0 million tonnes for imports of third country bananas, 3.5 per cent. will be set aside for newcomers who have begun trading in these bananas since 1992.

Mr. Page

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consideration is being given to the latest trading histories of companies in 1991–92 in allocating licences for the import of bananas.

Mr. Jack

Council regulation (EEC) 404/93 establishing a common organisation of the Community banana market provides for the allocation of licences to import third-country bananas, within a reduced tariff quota of 2.0 million tonnes, on the basis of a three-year average of past trade. Initially, the reference period is 1989 to 1991, but it will be rolled forward annually in subsequent years. Thus it will in time take account of the trading histories of companies in all the years leading up to the implementation of the new arrangements.

Mr. Page

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many representations her Department has received from independent banana ripening companies on the proposed new EC banana regime.

Mr. Jack

The Government have received a wide range of representations from interested parties at all stages in the marketing of bananas. This has included a significant number of independent banana ripeners.

Mr. Page

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress has been made in negotiations on the proposed new EC banana regime to ensure the United Kingdom's historic allocation of quotas is not replicated.

Mr. Jack

Discussion of the detailed arrangements for the new harmonised Community banana regime is continuing in Brussels. The new arrangements will apply in all member states and entitlement to licence within the reduced-tariff quota of 2.0 million tonnes for imports of third country bananas will be subject to criteria to be defined in Commission implementing regulations.